[UPDATE] Northbound 101 Closed North of Willits After Vehicle Hits Bear

A collision between a vehicle and a bear around 11 p.m. temporarily closed the northbound lane of Highway 101 north of Willits near mile marker 53.6. The vehicle sustained major damage.

According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page, an elderly driver reported hitting a bear in the roadway. Shortly afterward, the reporting party said that the bear was injured and could be heard off the roadway.

Responding CHP officers later reported that the vehicle, identified as a Kia Soul, had sustained major front-end damage and was blocking the northbound lane.

At approximately 11:19 p.m., CHP requested a tow truck from All In One Tow of Willits. By 11:28 p.m., northbound traffic was being managed with one-way traffic control while crews worked to clear the scene.

The condition of the bear was not immediately known. No injuries to the vehicle’s occupant were reported in the incident.

UPDATE: The driver is now reported to have minor injuries. The road has reopened.